Fatialofa takes first steps on recovery
New Zealand rugby player Michael Fatialofa has taken his first steps, albeit with some help, as he battles back from his serious neck injury.
The former Hurricanes lock was injured while playing for Worcester Warriors against Saracens in the English Premiership. He spent four weeks in a London hospital where he had surgery to ease swelling.
He is now in a specialist spinal rehab unit and has released a short video on Instagram of his remarkable progress there as he tries to find a future without the need of a wheelchair.
‘‘Six weeks deep. Doctors didn’t know me. Could be years of grinding ahead but determined to get out of this chair,’’ Fatialofa said.
The video shows his toe, foot and leg movement and also how he is learning to walk again with the help of the medical staff.
Meanwhile, Saracens, the English champions now caught in a salary cap scandal that will see them relegated next season, have thrown their support behind the fundraising campaign to help with Fatialofa’s recovery.
Saracens announced that for every try they score in this weekend’s clash with Sale Sharks, $2000 will be donated to the JustGiving campaign set up by Restart, the official charity of the Rugby Players’ Association, to help fund the rehabilitation of Fatialofa.
‘‘With the ongoing uncertainty over Michael’s prognosis, length of rehabilitation and future career/work prospects, donations will help cover immediate necessities as well as future finances, costs and unforeseen expenses of Michael and his family,’’ Saracens said.
The fund, set up last week, had already raised about $67,000 by Wednesday (NZT).